Nature Connection Articles
Our Most Recent Articles
The Autonomic Nervous System
For 99% of human existence, we have spent most of our time in the natural environment. Most of our physiological functions have evolved in, and designed for, a natural environment. It is only in the last couple of hundred years, since the Industrial Revolution, that we have become predominantly urban dwellers. However, the human race has not adapted fast enough to keep up, and many people find that urban living puts them in a permanent state of stress.
What Are The Differences Between Shinrin Yoku And Forest Bathing
The practice of Forest Bathing has its origins in the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku and it is called ‘Forest Bathing’ as Shinrin Yoku translates into English as ‘Forest Bath’ (the characters even look a little like trees 森林浴). However, there are a number of key differences between the two practices.
The Theories Underpinning Forest Bathing and Nature-Connection
There are a variety of theories that underpin and support the proposals that Forest Bathing and Nature-Connection activities have beneficial effects on psychological and physical wellbeing. These theories include the Biophilia Hypothesis, Attention Restoration Theory, and Psychophysiological Stress Recovery Theory.
Forest Therapy Hub Interview
You can read the interview that I did with the Forest Therapy Hub here. I discuss social prescribing, and the benefits of Forest Bathing and Nature-Connection for mental health and also for people experiencing arthritis.
What You Should Know About Phytoncides and Terpines
Phytoncides and terpenes are antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds that are emitted by the plants and trees and protect them from bacteria, fungi and being eaten by insects and animals. They also serve as a way for trees and plants to communicate with each other, warning about danger. Terpenes have also been found to play an important role in counteracting global warming.
Natural Killer Cells and Forest Bathing
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of lymphocyte that serves a variety of function in the immune system, such as destroying infected and abnormal cells in the body. They can even target a viral infection inside cells, without destroying the entire cell.
Research has shown that Forest Bathing enhances NK activity in humans by increasing the number of NK cells and intracellular levels of anticancer proteins.
Forest Bathing and Mindfulness
Forest Bathing is often referred to as a ‘nature-mindfulness’ practice in which people are encouraged to ‘mindfully take in their environment using their different senses’ but there are a number of characteristics that differentiate Forest Bathing from Mindfulness, as described here.
Arthritis and Forest Bathing
Arthritis pain is caused in part by inflammation, but this can become a bigger problem when it causes chronic stress or anxiety, as higher levels of the stress hormones cortisol in the body can lead to greater inflammation that can make arthritis more painful. Forest Bathing reduces cortisol levels and so can contribute to reducing inflammation. Participants in Forest Bathing activities have reported significant decreases in pain and depression, and a significant improvement in health-related quality of life following the Forest Bathing activities.
What is Nature Connection?
Many people instinctively know that being in nature is good for us, and research backs this up, showing that people who are more ‘connected’ with nature often report greater life satisfaction; lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression; and greater levels of emotional and mental wellbeing. But what is ‘Nature Connection’
Nature connection is much more than just being in nature or exposed to nature, it is about really tuning in to your surroundings and noticing what is happening around you.
What is Forest Bathing?
Forest Bathing or 'Silvotherapy' is a health-promoting practice that involves spending time outdoors in nature and amongst trees to enhance wellbeing and relieve stress through increased nature-connection and harnessing the healing and restorative powers of nature.